If you're looking into flight transportation for your pet, there's a few things you should know. There's so much information out there about pet transportation, so here is a concise guide to your transportation. There are a few requirements when it comes to flights for pets:
Weight and size: Most airlines require pets to be under 20 pounds to fly. However, sometimes pets that weigh under 20 pounds will not fit in an airline-approved carrier. We use carriers that are, on average, 11x11x18 inches. For older pets or large breeds, your coordinator may ask for a picture to confirm size.
Age: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned before any sort of transportation, drives included.
Carrier Comfortability: Flights within the United States can range anywhere from one to nine hours. Most flights over 3 hours include a layover where the pet can be taken out of the carrier. Your pet must be comfortable in a carrier for longer periods of time, especially when it comes to older dogs and cats.
Behavior: To get through security, a flight nanny will have to take the pet out of the carrier and hold it through the x-ray. Your pet must be comfortable with being held. They also must stay mostly quiet. If you have a cat or dog who is loud or gets stressed being in a carrier, talk to your vet about options for calming medication.
Health: In order to transport a pet with a flight nanny, the pet must have an updated vaccination record and appear visibly healthy.
There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to our pets, but that does not have to be the case for your transportation! If you have any concerns about your pet's transportation, talk to one of our transportation coordinators about your options.
Happy traveling!